LIPOXOL MED: A Versatile Solution for Pharmaceutical Preparations

LIPOXOL MED grades vary in physical properties depending on their molecular weight. Liquid grades, such as LIPOXOL 300 MED and 400 MED, are used as solvents, solubilizers, and viscosity regulators in liquid formulations. Solid grades, including LIPOXOL 1000 MED to 8000 MED, serve as suppository bases, binders, and plasticizers for tablets. Their flexibility makes them suitable for various applications, including ointments and tablets.

• Solvent and Solubilizer: Liquid grades of LIPOXOL MED are excellent solvents and solubilizers for active ingredients in liquid formulations, enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble compounds. 
   
• Ointment Bases and Creams: LIPOXOL MED grades are hygroscopic and work well as moisturizers, providing soft and readily dispersible ointment bases. These properties make them suitable for creams, lotions, and other topical formulations. 
   
• Suppositories: Solid LIPOXOL MED grades are preferred for suppository bases due to their ability to dissolve various active substances and provide good bioavailability. They are not metabolized by the human body, ensuring gentle and effective delivery of active ingredients. 
   
• Laxatives: LIPOXOL 3350 MED SP and 4000 MED SP are specifically designed as APIs for laxatives. These grades dissolve in water to create a “sponge” with a large volume of bound water, stimulating the colon’s peristalsis and initiating the discharging reflex. Unlike other laxatives, LIPOXOL MED avoids unfavorable side effects such as bowel irritation and gas formation. 
   
• Tablets and excipients: LIPOXOL MED types play an important role as excipients, plasticizers and glidants in tablet formulations. Here are some of their specific applications and advantages:
  
  
  • Binders: PEGs such as LIPOXOL 400 MED and LIPOXOL 600 MED are often used as secondary binders to improve cohesion between particles during wet granulation and subsequent compacting. This results in better tablet strength and stability.
  • Plasticizers: LIPOXOL 1000 MED to LIPOXOL 4000 MED are melted or dissolved to increase the plasticity and cohesion of the granules. This facilitates processing and improves the mechanical properties of the tablets.
  • Lubricants: LIPOXOL 4000 MED to LIPOXOL 8000 MED are mixed directly with the powder to improve cohesion and prevent sticking of the tablets. This ensures uniform and efficient tableting.

Replacement of microcrystalline cellulose with PEGs in tablets

The possibility of replacing microcrystalline cellulose with PEGs depends heavily on the respective formulation and process. A direct exchange is only possible to a limited extent, especially when mechanical strength and compressibility are priorities. However, PEGs offer advantages in processes with wet granulation and in formulations where hydrophilicity can improve release. 

Research and data on PEGs in tablets

There is a lack of application data to better market PEGs in this application against other binders. Further research and data are needed to confirm the efficiency and advantages of PEGs in various tableting processes. 

LIPOXOL MED grades comply with the current requirements of the Pharmacopoeia in Europe and the USA. They are produced and filled according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, ensuring high quality and consistency. The stability of LIPOXOL MED types has been successfully tested under long-term conditions, and ongoing yearly stability tests are performed to maintain quality assurance. 

For product developers in the health care industry, LIPOXOL MED offers broad and reliable solutions for a wide range of pharmaceutical applications. Its excellent solubility, stability, and compatibility make it an ideal choice for formulations requiring high-quality excipients and APIs.

Sasol Chemicals is dedicated to achieving meaningful sustainability goals: The company is focused on reducing their Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030, using 2017 as our baseline. Looking ahead, Sasol Chemicals aims to achieve net zero emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG by 2050. 

Their evolving strategies to reach these targets include increasing the use of renewable electricity, adopting low-carbon energy sources for steam production, and prioritizing energy and process efficiency initiatives.